Jumat, 31 Agustus 2012

Hair Loss Solutions: Hair Regrowth Therapy

Hair Regrowth Therapy Can Work for Both Men and Women 

 

Laser hair therapy to stimulate hair growth and to slow or prevent hair loss is actually a well-established use of an FDA-approved instrument.

 

If it sounds like something from the space age, well, it is. Men and women who have undergone laser hair therapy claim it halts their hair loss and makes their remaining hair thicker and fuller. The promise of hair regrowth is enticing to millions. And yet with so many products spamming our in-boxes and cluttering late-night television with commercials, it is easy to understand the degree of skepticism that exists.

If hair regrowth therapy actually can regrow hair, why is this apparent modern miracle not headline news? And why are there so many people who seem not to know about it and endure their own hair loss?

The fact of the matter is hair loss and regrowth tactics are all a matter of degree. The 24-year-old male who sees excess hair in the shower drain on a regular basis may be catching his hair loss early enough. The regrowth medications and treatments will work better on him than on his 45-year-old uncle, who decided to address his hair loss 15 years after it started. The middle-aged woman who endures hair loss caused by medications or chemotherapy experiences a whole different kind of hair thinning than does her 25-year-old female co-worker, whose genetically caused thin hair is something she's struggled with since high school.

And this is why hair regrowth therapy tends to be approached holistically. Each patient has his own genetics, own type of hair loss and own expectations for what he hopes to accomplish.

To get to the heart of where hair regrowth therapies function -- and how well they really work -- we interviewed professionals working on the front lines, in salons (more appropriately sometimes called clinics) that largely serve this function. We thank Melissa Green at Transitions of Indiana (Indianapolis) and Ed Gawerecki at Hans Wiemann Hair Replacement (near St. Louis, Missouri) for sharing their decades of experience at providing hair regrowth services to their customers for this story.

The type of hair regrowth therapy depends on the hair loss condition
 
The most common form of hair loss is androgenic (or androgenetic) alopecia, otherwise known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness. This is a progressive, age-related and largely irreversible condition that can begin as early as the 20s for many individuals. A simple way to understand how it works is that the roots of the hair follicles are adversely affected by male hormones (DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, present in both men and women), which leads to shrunken follicle size.

Other forms of hair loss include alopecia areata (patchy baldness), hair loss caused by medications (including chemotherapy as a cancer treatment), traction alopecia (hair literally pulled out from wearing too tight of a hair style) and trichotillomania, a psychologically based habit of intentional hair pulling. Starvation, bulimia, anorexia and gastric bypass surgery can so deplete the body of essential nutrients that hair quality and quantity can suffer as a result.

To a certain extent, improved blood circulation can slow the loss of hair. The use of laser and massage therapies accomplishes this. In the case of early androgenic alopecia, by using a topical application of minoxidil (Rogaine and other brands) or the use of an internal medication, finasteride (Propecia), some hair loss is halted because these medications block DHT from being active in the scalp area. With other forms of hair loss, hair often grows back on its own.

If the causes of hair loss can be blocked, the hair could grow anew. So how well do regrowth therapies work?

Hair regrowth therapy using lasers can halt the loss
 
As Ed Gawerecki at Hans Wiemann Hair Replacement, near St. Louis, Missouri, explains, the therapeutic process begins with questions.

"We talk about what they're looking for," he says. "We try to figure out within reason what we can do within the bounds of rationality." The facility he has helped to manage for many years sees more than 125 people every day, most of whom receive cool laser treatments twice a week as the lynchpin to their program.
The clinic sees a 3-to-2 ratio of men to women, ranging in age from 13 to 87 years old, with the male patients largely in the cohort of 25-45 years old and women skewing a bit older, ages 35-55. The men predominantly suffer from male pattern baldness. Women come to the clinic to address female pattern baldness or hair loss caused by menopause or a thyroid disorder.

Gawerecki says it's important to assess each patient realistically, since some will see more results than others. "We are brutally honest," he says. "We would rather undersell and over-deliver."

Laser hair therapy stimulates skin tissue around the hair follicles, increasing cell function and blood flow. The treatment is complemented with scalp massages known as scalp stimulation and what they call "mediceuticals," nutrients and vitamins said to improve overall health and appearance of the scalp and hair. A yearlong program (costing $4,200 to $6,200) will involve twice-weekly visits of 20 minutes or more, with one of four visits including a 40-minute scalp massage.

On a quarterly basis, the salon uses a photo scanner tied to software that helps analyze hair-thickening progress for each patient. In most cases, a hair thickness improvement of 26-30 percent is seen through this program. "What most of our customers want is to halt the loss," says Gawerecki. Some laser therapy programs count follicles within sample regions of the scalp to demonstrate this feature.

Melissa Green (of Transitions of Indiana) sees primarily women between the ages of 40 and 70 years old, with some men of various ages in the mix. "Laser hair therapy is also a very effective and safe treatment protocol for individuals who have been through chemo or radiation," she explains. "There is an 85 percent success rate with laser hair therapy," she claims. "Typically, most all men and women have success because even if that person looks the same after a program, that is great. Hair loss is progressive, and if that person would not have done a treatment, they understand that [their hair loss would] worsen."

Green provides perhaps the most ringing endorsement of laser treatments. "I would do laser hair therapy if I had a general thinning and was not bald." A general thinning is typical of androgenic alopecia in women, versus the patterns of baldness that cause the male hairline to recede and the crown to thin. However, she cautions, "Laser isn't designed to regrow hair if the follicle is no longer producing hair."

In other words, it's best to get your regrowth therapy early -- before hair production is shut down for good.

Hair Loss Treatment Website Unveils "State-of-the-Art" Provider Directory

HairLoss.com, the largest and most comprehensive website dedicated to providing unbiased consumer information about alopecia and hair loss conditions, as well as hair loss treatments has unveiled a state-of-the-art provider directory. The directory, which goes live in November, offers basic plans as well as advanced marketing plans to hair loss treatment and product providers.

FT. LAUDERALE, FL, November 1, 2010 -- HairLoss.com, the Internet's leading website dedicated to providing unbiased consumer information concerning hair loss treatments and conditions has unveiled their hair loss provider directory. The directory offers a range of plans to a range of hair loss treatment and product providers.

According to Michael Garcia, Editor and spokesman for HairLoss.com, "the provider directory is "a state-of-the-art marketing solution" to those providers who haven't achieved a high-profile Internet presence. "It is much more than a directory. With the 'professional' and 'enterprise' plans, we're basically offering you a snazzy website built within our own website, complete with lead capture, client photos, testimonials, videos, social network links and more."

The influential website made public the directory at a hair loss industry marketing seminar in Fort Lauderdale, FL in October. The directory goes live on November 1.

The directory, which features a provider login, offers four plans, starting with a free Basic plan, a Business plan ($299 yearly), a Professional plan ($499 yearly) and an Enterprise plan priced at $699 per year. Each listing offers basic business profile listings with increased profile data, listing functionality and marketing enhancements with each upgraded listing plan. Unlike most directories, the provider retains complete control over their listing.

Directory listings are available for nonsurgical hair replacement providers, hair transplant surgeons, dermatologists, trichologists, non-profit organizations, service providers of hair systems, hair regrowth therapy, laser hair therapy, alopecia treatment and hair extensions as well as providers of cancer wigs and chemo wigs.

"This is a highly technologically advanced directory, customized for the hair loss provider industry," stated Garcia. "It serves the hair loss provider community and features search parameters that allows a visitor seeking treatment and services to search by business name, country, zip code, city, state, treatment specialties and more."

According to Garcia, HairLoss.com has partnered with Bright Bulb Solutions, a Los Angeles-based boutique Internet marketing firm to develop the custom software that operates the directory. "The directory is part of a suite of custom software products we're developing with Bright Bulb, which will include a forthcoming CraigsList-style classifieds for the hair loss industry."

"HairLoss.com is making progress in leaps and bounds," asserts Garcia. "Our visibility online has increased triple fold in only one year. Our desire is to elevate not only the discourse of what it means to have hair loss and how to treat it, but to improve the industry as a whole. Our philosophy is that the rising tide lifts all boats and what is good for the industry is good for us, too. That is why we're sharing the success of our increased visibility by offering this directory to the industry."

HairLoss.com's hair loss provider directory is available at HairLoss.com, with details of each listing plan available on the provider registration page.

Kamis, 30 Agustus 2012

Preventing Hair Loss Is Simpler than Solving Hair Loss

Hair loss prevention requires awareness and effort to pay off in the end.



Thinning hair does not necessarily mean you will become bald. To any person experiencing early signs of hair loss -- alopecia -- this is more than wishful thinking. It acknowledges that there are different reasons why hair becomes thin ("follicular miniaturization") and less dense -- or disappears altogether. Once the cause is identified, there may be a means to halt or even reverse the loss.

Those causes include genetics, chemical exposure, scarring, hormonal changes (such as those associated with pregnancy and menopause), emotional stress or trauma, parasites, infections, poor or imbalanced nutrition and even methods of hair styling. You may know the reason you are losing your hair, but a professional diagnosis is probably the smartest place to begin looking for ways to prevent hair loss from progressing.

The good news is you don't have to take it lying down. Hair loss prevention a generation ago was a tough fight. Some of the methods used back then didn't work at all or didn't work very well. Today, there are better ways to keep hair on your head. We know more about the various causes of hair loss and how to treat them. Better products, including pharmaceuticals, are available. Smarter ways of styling hair can help a lot. Sometimes, the solution might be to reduce stress in your life, adopt better nutrition habits and get some exercise -- not necessarily easy, but effective and beneficial to overall health.

And what if you like your new bald head? Terrific -- some men and some women can look downright stunning with a shaved head. This is a matter of choices: you should be the one to decide about your appearance. Now you can.

Women, Hair Loss and Aging

Learn the Process of How Women's Hair Ages Normally



For those women who desire to reverse the appearance of aging, there are cosmetic hair loss treatments that effectively hide thinning hair and hair loss.


Is there such a thing as positive aging when you're a woman? "Most gerontologists support the notion of positive aging when it refers to efforts to prolong a happy, healthy life," states Kathryn Bayer in her 2005 article "Cosmetic Surgery and Cosmetics: Redefining the Appearance of Age," appearing in Generations, a publication of the American Society of Aging. She goes on to explain that most physicians also readily admit there is no actual proven way to halt the aging process but there are ways to slow, stop and reverse the appearance of aging. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are leading the way in changing what aging looks like in the United States. Bayer explores the issue even further: "If aging is a natural process to be experienced by all, why are visible signs of aging met with such increasing cultural disdain?"

Baby boomers' favorable attitude toward changing the appearance of aging

Baby boomers have shifted the demographics in the United States to later in life, and even the classic bible of women's health written by women for women -- Our Bodies, Ourselves (New England Free Press, 1971) -- expanded recently to focus on the issues women face in the second half of life. In the original edition of the book written by the Boston Women's Health Collective, no pages were devoted to concerns of later life, so two new chapters were added in 2005, including 56 pages about aging issues.

In fact, people aged 35-50 had the most plastic surgery procedures, almost 44 percent of the total population, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery's 2009 statistics on cosmetic surgery. These statistics showed that since 1997 there has been an increase of over 147 percent in the total number of cosmetic procedures. Women account for more than 9 million cosmetic procedures and over 90 percent of the total. Their favorable attitude toward cosmetic surgery has grown by 22 percent, and men's has increased 17 percent, as compared with five years ago, which bears out Americans' disdain for the appearance of aging. Dr. Sara Wasserbauer, a Walnut Creek, California-based hair transplant surgeon, says, "An understanding of the changes in your hair as you age can help you approach it positively."

How hair ages normally in a woman

Age may not be the most reliable indicator of when gray hair and thinning will appear, but the aging process is the number-one suspect, says Diana Jewell in her book Going Gray, Looking Great! (Simon & Schuster, 2004), in which she gives a detailed explanation of how the aging process affects a woman's hair:
  • 40s: Jewell explains that graying begins as hair follicles lose their ability to create melanin, which is not in infinite supply. Hair doesn't "turn gray"; instead, new hairs grow in without their pigment-producing cells. These hairs without their color generally have a thicker cuticle that appears rougher and drier. "Thinning can begin, depending on your genetic predisposition, and hair doesn't take styling direction as well -- hair is finer, more flyaway, starting in a woman's 40s," adds Dr. Wasserbauer.
  • 50s: "The average age for menopause is 51, [and] a lot of changes occur in your body that affect your hair follicles," says Wasserbauer. "During your 50s, thinning, hair fall-out at the part line and graying become more evident. As metabolism slows, hair and nail growth slow too and skin looks a little duller and not as elastic, which is all part of normal aging," she adds. Jewell explains that anything hindering normal body rhythms and processes (menopause, for example) can disrupt what cells are supposed to do and interfere with proper metabolic activity, such as the normal hair growth cycle. One day at a time the body ages a bit.
  • 60s: "The hormonal factors of aging generally take over at this time," Wasserbauer notes. As female hormones decrease production, normally existing male hormones (androgens) such as testosterone can come into play. This androgen converts to the substance DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which combines with the naturally occurring enzyme 5-alpha-reductase type 2; this combination shrinks the hair follicles until they cannot produce any hair. As hair falls out as a normal part of the growth cycle, new hair cannot grow in and thinning occurs. Women experiencing hair thinning have a higher level of this enzyme and are usually genetically predisposed. Hair follicles in specific areas around the frontal hairline, temples and part line may be more susceptible to DHT. Wasserbauer concludes, "Hair continues to thin and gray during this decade. Any hairs that had resisted this activity will succumb, contributing to an all-over diffuse thinning and the androgenetic alopecia known as female pattern baldness."

    Hair replacement to the rescue!
     
    "Half of all women will experience age-related thinning or hair loss after the age of 40. Because this shows up at about the same time many women go noticeably gray, it's often part and parcel of the gray hair experience ... If you see no signs of thinning hair or retreating hairlines ... relax!" says Jewell. Hair thinning is a normal part of how a woman ages, but if you notice anything more dramatic than that, such as patchy clumps of hair loss or other symptoms that go along with the hair loss, definitely contact a doctor, suggests Dr. Wasserbauer.

    "Luckily there is so much a woman can do about her hair color at the salon and hair loss in general," says Wasserbauer. She explains that once you've determined the cause of your hair loss by checking with your doctor, you can consider hair transplant surgery around the hairline or widening part, or you can look into a non-surgical hair replacement treatment, the best being perfectly natural-looking hair systems, some that even integrate with your own hair and move and act just like your real hair. And she advises, "Women in the earlier stages of hair thinning can consider using minoxidil and laser hair therapy, both of which are FDA-approved ways to help halt hair loss and keep the hair you do have growing strong."

    Rabu, 29 Agustus 2012

    Hair Systems for Men: An FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Systems for Men



    Hair systems for men have evolved far beyond the toupee. Learn how today's hair systems can give your hair back to you and change your life.


    Q. Why should I get a non-surgical hair system instead of a hair transplant?

    Men lose their hair in a predictable way, a pattern called male pattern baldness (or androgenic or androgenetic alopecia), but aging; stress; medications; poor grooming, sleeping and nutrition habits; and illnesses such as lupus, diabetes and heart disease can all speed up the hair loss process. A surgical hair transplant can replace hair in a bald spot but will not protect against future additional hair loss around the transplant. A non-surgical hair system is your best bet even if you are a candidate for a transplant, because you won't have to worry about future thinning or anything else.

    Q. I'm afraid my hair system will fall off -- does that still happen?

    No, your hair replacement specialist will set a maintenance schedule so that your adhesive and attachments are performing optimally as well as to avoid any noticeable wear and tear on your hair system.

    Q. I don't want anyone to laugh at me or know that I am wearing a hair system. How can that be avoided?

    Today's hair systems are so technologically and artistically advanced that they are virtually undetectable. Manufacturers can even use a base material similar to what is in a contact lens that is so light and breathable it looks as if hair is growing right out of the scalp. Skilled hair replacement specialists can match any scalp color and hairline (from photos of you) and also determine a maintenance plan so that wear on the hair system never shows.

    Q. How many hair systems do I need?

    You may hear conflicting information about how many hair systems you will need. Your plan depends on the type of hair system you are wearing as well as your lifestyle. If you are very active, you may need more maintenance and more hair systems. Some hair replacement specialists may say that you need two to start out with so you can rotate them and wear a fresh one while another is being repaired and maintained. Many hair systems are made using such lightweight materials (the heavier the hair and cap, the less natural a hair system will look) that they are disposable, requiring a new one every time, about every eight weeks or so.

    Q. Why throw a hair system away when it looks perfectly fine?

    You should replace a hair system before it shows any wear. Otherwise outsiders might be able to see a hair system's hair loss or cap fraying -- and you wouldn't want that!

    Q. Does the hair system always have to have the same style over and over?

    If you're adventurous and want to switch styles or colors, you can certainly work with the stylist to create different hair systems, or you can stick with one that represents "your look" time and time again.

    Q. Will my hair system change as I age?

    Everyone should want their hair system to be as realistic and natural as possible, and if that includes shortening your style or showing some graying, your stylist will strive to make your hair system as age appropriate as you desire, matching it to your changing facial shape, hair color, hair texture and skin tone. For men, lessening the amount of hair to match any overall thinning or pattern baldness around the system also may be appropriate as you age.

    Q. Can I have the kind of hair system that is removed at night, or does it have to be attached for a month or more at a time?

    It is your choice how you want your hair system to be attached and also how much care you want to take with attaching it yourself. Your hair replacement specialist will work with your lifestyle considerations to determine the best method of attachment and schedule for removal and replacement.

    Q. What is the difference between a custom-made hair system and an "off-the-shelf" hair system?

    A custom-made hair system is made by molding and measuring your head or hair loss area and is created strand by strand to match your exact hair density and hairline. These are usually the most expensive types. A ready-made hair system can be bought off the shelf, but it will still be cut, colored and styled based on your skin tone and facial shape by working with your hair replacement stylist.

    Best Wigs of 2011: Gemtress

    Gemtress Hair Enhancement Products Voted Best Wigs of 2011



    Gemtress offers the widest variety of top-quality, natural-looking wigs for virtually any hair loss condition.

     

    If you are looking for the best wigs available, check out the collections of hair enhancement products from Gemtress. Gemtress wigs are our choice for the best wigs of 2011.

    Gemtress line of wigs
     
    A wig is the perfect solution for someone who has experienced a sudden loss of hair (due to illness, medication, trauma or other reasons) or for those with slowly thinning hair. It can also be a fabulous fashion choice for a person who just wants to change his or her appearance.

    "Gemtress offers a wide variety of products across various collections," says Doug Spike, business development consultant at On Rite. "Whether you are experiencing hair loss from chemotherapy or alopecia -- or just want to wear a wig for fashion reasons -- Gemtress features high-style, realistically designed options in every price range."

    Choosing a wig
     
    Before buying a wig, you'll need to consider a variety of factors in order to select the right wig for you.

    Hand-tied versus machine-made: Cheap wigs are machine-made and don't look as natural as those that are hand-tied. Of course, hand-tied wigs are more expensive, since much more time is put into creating them.

    Synthetic versus human hair: Synthetic hair is low cost and low maintenance; however, it's not the most natural looking and cannot be styled with heated tools. Human hair, including minimally processed Remy hair, looks more natural and is much more versatile.

    Hair texture: European hair is very high quality and can be found in a variety of colors and wave choices. Asian hair is dark, straight, thick and shiny, while Indian hair is dark but is generally finer than Asian hair.

    Brand name: When in the market for a wig, it's prudent to go with a brand you can trust. Off-brand options will oftentimes be the least expensive solution, yet you run the risk of purchasing a substandard product. Additionally, with the surprisingly high prevalence of unethically procured human hair, you may be indirectly supporting a shady industry.

    What makes Gemtress wigs stand apart
     
    Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly wig that doesn't sacrifice style, an easy-care hair enhancement product to wear every day, or just the best natural solution for your thinning hair, Gemtress features plenty of different options to choose from. Gemtress wigs stand apart from competitors for a variety of reason. First and foremost is how natural they look.

    "Many clients are buying wigs in order to wear hair all the time. They want to work, play, exercise, swim and truly live as if their hair grew back," explains Spike. "Gemtress wigs are hand-tied, lightweight, durable, comfortable and, maybe most important to buyers, offer an extremely natural-looking appearance.

    "Most cheap wigs are machine-made and created with low-quality fibers to save money on production. Gemtress wigs, on the other hand, are designed with comfort, quality and your appearance in mind."

    If you are searching for the answer to your hair loss problems, consider all your options -- from laser hair therapy to hair transplant surgery and from hair extensions to wigs. If you decide to buy a wig, go with the best -- Gemtress. Whether your hair loss is temporary or permanent, or you are on a tight budget or not, the Gemtress wig collections can be your hair solution.

    Selasa, 28 Agustus 2012

    Alopecia Areata: Support Your Spouse

    When Alopecia Strikes, Compassion Is What Is Called For 

     

    When the diagnosis comes, learn how to support a spouse who has been diagnosed with Alopecia areata.

     

    In our society hair is a sign of youth and vitality -- which makes losing your hair a stigma most would choose to live without. Alopecia areata is really the black sheep of the alopecia family because it creates the most frustrating of all hair loss -- loss that appears in patches.

    When a spouse or partner is diagnosed with Alopecia areata, one's initial reaction might be gratitude that this was not a symptom of something far greater or life threatening. Yet its chronic, indiscriminate arrival, departure and return leave a person always knowing an uninvited guest may pop in at any given moment. This will tend to wreak havoc on a person's mental and emotional state, especially for women. A man can choose to shave his head to create a look. Women, on the other hand, generally are not afforded that same luxury in our society. It's often assumed that a woman who is bald is more than likely ill.

    Couples who have dealt with this issue prior to becoming a couple are generally more likely to rise to the challenges because they existed upfront. When seemingly healthy couples are faced with something neither one originally signed up for, well, it starts to get a little tricky. The key is developing some strategies and tools that can support spouses or partners who have received the frustrating news from their health care professional.

    Living together with Alopecia areata

    1. Education. Once the diagnosis is made, join forces as a team to find out everything you can about Alopecia areata. There are a variety of treatments, though not a one-size-fits-all by any stretch of the imagination. Seek out alternative modalities, both Eastern and Western, and see if there isn't a combination of the two that can be supportive. Doing this jointly is a real sign of "I've got your back" and that you're in this together.
    2. Seeking treatment is not something you want your spouse or partner to do alone. Do what you can to attend any doctor appointments and treatment sessions, even if it means sitting in the waiting room and reading a book.
    3. Discuss options that exist beyond medical choices. These include wearing wigs or scarves, shaving your head, or simply covering it up or over. Much depends on the size of the patch and its location.
    4. When we see ourselves as losing our youth and vitality, we assume that our spouse or partner sees us that same way. Be willing to keep the communication open and flowing. If your spouse or partner accuses you of not being attracted to her because of her condition, don't try to defend yourself. Instead opt to be empathetic, reflecting back what she's sharing with you, and the accompanying feelings. First assuring her you can empathize allows you to comfort and respond from your own heart that nothing could be further from the truth.
    5. Consider counseling. Support your partner in getting some outside support; also suggest that you be included as he feels comfortable in you doing so. This takes away the sting that this is his problem and he had better do something about it. Instead it's a challenge you face together.
    6. Seek out ways to laugh about it. It may seem easier said than done, but I find that the couples who can laugh together more often stay together. Discovering perspective in all of this is crucial so that you don't begin to find yourself slowly disconnecting from each other.
    7. Create check-in moments to talk about how you're both feeling. It's important that each of you knows that feelings don't have a shelf life or an expiration date. They can come and go, and they are always welcome. Creating this space is crucial for the relationship to continue to thrive.
    8. Alopecia areata may be chronic, but it doesn't pay your rent or mortgage. Don't give it the power to run, or ruin, your relationship just because it shows up whenever it wants. Your relationship is between the two of you. When you operate as a team, Alopecia areata simply becomes a bump in the road that together you face head-on.

    This may be happening to your spouse or partner's body, but the greatest treatment starts from a place of "we" -- the knowing that the lifting and healing power of two is twice the strength that any one person can generate alone.

    Gender Differences in Hair Transplant Surgery

    Hair Transplant Surgery: Male and Female Differences



    Many specific diagnoses and patterns of hair loss differentiate men and women's candidacy for hair transplant surgery and its final outcome.


    Doctors and surgical hair transplant experts agree that hair loss and thinning are much more straightforward to diagnose and predict in men than in women. And they all agree on one more thing: The best result starts with the most thorough diagnosis of the hair loss or hair thinning issue to determine candidacy for hair transplant surgery.

    "While the majority of men are good hair transplant surgery candidates because they have a stable donor area on the back and sides of the scalp as well as predictable patterns of hereditary balding, women are prone to have diffuse thinning all over the head, so there is no stable donor area. For that reason, we find that only a minority of women are good candidates for a hair transplant," states Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, M.D., F.A.A.D., clinical professor of dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University and hair transplant surgeon and director of Bernstein Medical Hair Restoration, also in New York City.

    "It's extremely important to determine which women are good candidates for hair transplant surgery and which are not, so we examine the donor areas using densitometry to measure and magnify follicles while we look for miniaturization of each hair, a change in its diameter, which is the hallmark of genetic hair loss. We make sure women have a stable, suitable donor area; otherwise the transplanted hair will continue to fall out and will continue to degenerate in the new area."

    Bernstein also explains that women who present with diffuse hair loss and many diseases, hormonal abnormalities, medications and traumas can mimic a thinning hair problem. "When a woman comes in with hair loss, we do an extended evaluation to make sure she is a viable candidate for a surgery," cautions Bernstein. Some hair loss diagnoses that do make women good candidates for the surgery are traction alopecia or trauma, face-lift scars and eyebrow restoration. "We tend to stay away from alopecia areata because if it recurs in a new patch, scars may become visible. We'll wait until patches of loss are stable for three to five years before we will consider a hair transplant."

    Hair transplant surgery for men and women - the differences

    Once the diagnosis is determined and stable donor areas are identified, the technical aspects of removing the hair are very similar. The only difference is that women's scalps are thinner and tighter, so the surgeon has to carefully control the depth of harvest. "If you're a woman, be sure your doctor has experience working with a diagnosis and hair just like yours -- and ask for pictures and for referrals you can call," advises Bernstein.

    The design most men are looking for is first to replace the forelock, or front, and receded temples. "We'll place the hairs in a predominantly forward direction to accomplish this," says Bernstein. "Then, if we still have plenty of donor hair, we will try to fill up the thinning crown area on a man. But on a woman, we want to restore the frame -- the rounded hairline around her face. So, if we don't have enough hair to do everything, we concentrate on the frontal hairline, the temples and front part of the scalp that frames her face. Once we get enough density there, this new hair can be styled to camouflage hair loss or thinning just behind it, especially in Caucasian women," explains Bernstein. "Women's hair transplants are also more difficult because women tend to have specialized swirls, directional changes and growth patterns around this front hairline that must be mimicked and can become very complicated. Once completed, a woman can rely on styling techniques, perms and color treatments to greatly enhance her hair transplant," he states.

    The main complication to avoid is visible scarring, so in men we will advise them never to buzz their hair short, because scars can become visible. In women the biggest complication is stability of the donor area. Transplanting areas in transition can be tricky. "Sometimes," cautions Bernstein, "because hair growth happens in cycles, the trauma of a transplant can cause a short-term shock and some fall-out, even in healthy follicles. We use techniques to minimize this effect, but it is a risk that should be explained so women are not literally shocked by it!

    Senin, 27 Agustus 2012

    Hair Loss Website Establishes Client "Bill of Rights"

    HairLoss.com, the world's largest social network community dedicated to solving hair loss and baldness has created a "Client Bill of Rights" for hair loss sufferers. Hair loss service providers are urged to act in compliance with the Bill.

    FT. LAUDERDALE, FL. -- HairLoss.com, the most comprehensive online social network community dedicated to all-things hair loss announced it would lead an industry-wide effort to raise the standards of service within the hair loss industry. Commencing this effort is the newly released "Client Bill of Rights," part of HairLoss.com's larger endeavor to be even more instrumental in improving client satisfaction in the multi-billion dollar hair loss industry.

    According to Michael Garcia, spokesperson for HairLoss.com, this "Client Bill of Rights" is first and foremost designed to improve the relationship between client and provider by proposing greater effort on the part of the client to perform due diligence and greater effort on the part of the provider to fully disclose information about services and products being provided.

    "As the most comprehensive online resource on the Internet for learning about hair loss treatments and conditions, HairLoss.com has every reason to improve the professional and personal bond between a hair loss sufferer and the hair loss provider," said Garcia. "This is a relationship-oriented industry. Nobody sells widgets. They sell long-term service relationships intended to last a long time, and our innovative 'Client Bill of Rights' better defines this relationship for the buyer and seller."

    The long-standing and influential hair loss website has produced an official online seal to be displayed on an associate hair loss solutions provider's own website in order to illustrate to prospective clients that they are compliant with the "Client Bill of Rights." This official seal--designed to enhance the look of any website and in any format--is available for immediate download at HairLoss.com.

    "It's the position of HairLoss.com that providers who master the relationship with the client will succeed as a business and raise the industry to a new standard," said spokesperson Garcia, "and we see our 'Client Bill of Rights' as an affirmative reminder to service providers to keep those values in their awareness because the vast number of studios and salons already share these values and care a great deal for the clients."

    According to Garcia, the timely publication and development of this rights bill is the first step of a larger plan that will eventually introduce to the hair loss industry a expert ratings system, in addition to a certification and continuing education courses and workshops for hair loss professionals.

    Smart Hair Care to Prevent Hair Loss

    Hair Care for Thinning Hair: Separate Fact from Fiction



    Changing some of your styling and grooming routines can go a long way toward improving the look and health of your hair and helping to prevent hair loss. When it comes to caring for thinning hair, as it often turns out, less is more.


    "Every day my clients come to talk to me about their thinning hair and hair loss issues, and I find that they really have some major misconceptions on how they should be caring for their hair; once they know better, their situation ultimately improves," says Shelly Beatty, owner and master stylist at Stylemakers Salon in Fort Worth, Texas. How does she know? She is a hair loss treatment specialist who has also suffered hair loss and thinning following thyroid surgery. In this article Beatty sets the record straight on many hair care myths.

    MYTH: You have to use a lot of mousse to make thinning hair look thicker.

    FACT: "Mousse is made up of primarily alcohol, which will coat each hair strand with its drying effects, and in fragile, thinning hair, that is just asking for breakage! It's a commonplace product, but it's not meant for those with thinning hair. The best solution is to work with your hairstylist to switch to a hairstyle that does not require so much volume. If the long-term goal is healthier hair, then you need to move away from styling products containing alcohol."

    MYTH: Regular drugstore hair care products are just fine for my thinning hair.

    FACT: "Products made specifically for thinning hair, regardless of the reason for the thinning, will be formulated in a specialized way to exclude certain harsh and drying ingredients that can damage the hair. One component called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common, cheap detergent ingredient in drugstore shampoo; it will strip fragile hair of its only support system � the hair's own natural oils. SLS will degrade even a strong cuticle, or outer layer of the hair shaft, which thinning hair does not even have. Ditto for alcohol in hairstyling products from the drugstore. Look for salon brands, recommended by your stylist, that have product lines for thinning hair and are sulfate free and alcohol free."

    MYTH: If my shampoo is not sudsy, it's not working.

    FACT: "The suds come from the SLS, the harsh, drying detergent in the shampoo that moves the dirt away from the scalp and hair via the bubbles. There are many other, gentler ways to remove the dirt that do not require this harsh chemical and will still work just as well, as long as you are also not using stiff, sticky styling products."

    MYTH: Wearing a hair system is bad for what hair I have left and for my scalp.

    FACT: "A hair system can be beneficial because it sits on top and allows hair and scalp to recover if the hair loss was the result of a trauma such as hormonal issues, surgery, medications, childbirth, over processing, and so forth. It also protects fragile areas from overexposure to the sun."

    MYTH: Brushing will damage my thinning hair or make me lose more hair.

    FACT: "Brushing is great for you but only with a very soft, natural-bristle hairbrush. It will glide easily through the hair, distributing the hairs' natural oils down the hair shaft while stimulating blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. Beware of hard nylon bristle brushes with ball-tips, which can tangle and pull fragile hair, and never brush hair that is stiff or sticky from styling products (which you should not be using)."

    MYTH: Thinning hair needs to grow to look healthier.

    FACT: "You must get hair trimmed on a regular basis, every four to six weeks, because it's more susceptible to breakage and split ends. A split end will continue splitting up the hair strand, further weakening it and adding to its frizzy look."

    MYTH: Conditioner and conditioning treatments will weigh down my hair and make it greasy.

    FACT: "You simply have to choose the right type of hair conditioner. Ask your stylist about a reparative treatment, not a moisturizing or oily one. And if you're not using shampoo with SLS, you'll notice fewer problems with dryness and tangling. Definitely treat thinning hair to a deep conditioning reparative treatment once a week."

    MYTH: Heated tools work best on the highest setting.

    FACT: "Not for people with thinning hair! The highest heat setting will fry and burn off your fragile hair strands. The high settings are for the coarsest hair types and the healthiest hair. You should be using these devices minimally and at the lowest setting."

    MYTH: I can achieve some volume by getting a perm.

    FACT: "You may get some volume or curls, or your hair may break off from the harsh solution. Perms chemically open the outside layer of hair, which causes hair to swell � and snap midshaft because it's weak already. Try Velcro rollers for volume and fullness without long-term damage, or, better yet, if that's the hairstyle you're set on, get a high-end wig!"

    MYTH: Coloring is a no-no for thinning hair.

    FACT: "Usually. But shine or gloss treatments that contain no peroxide actually coat and protect hair strands without entering and chemically changing the hair structure, so hair is not weakened by the process. Instead they seal down the hair shaft and add shine. But do not use bleach or permanent or semi permanent hair colors, because they do use penetrating chemicals and will weaken fragile hair."

    MYTH: Sunscreen is not necessary for hair.

    FACT: "Sunscreen is very necessary for hair and the scalp, too, especially when hair is thinning and weak. The sun actually lightens hair because the ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays penetrate the hair shaft, so you need to protect your hair from this damage. And don't forget your scalp � because hair is thinner, not shielding it from the sun's burning rays doesn't help. Always spray on a sunscreen and keep hair loosely braided, in a bun or under a hat when outdoors or at the beach."

    MYTH: If I brush and style my shorter hair upward, it will have more volume.

    FACT: "That's the classic mistake that can really date a woman. If you brush it straight up, you can see just how thin it is, as the scalp now shows through. Instead, go with a flatter, shorter, choppy fringe cut that covers the scalp and looks fresh."

    MYTH: More styling product means more hold.

    FACT: "You may get more hold, but you'll get more breakage, too! Hair should never have that crispy feel to it. Less is more."

    MYTH: I don't know what's good for my thinning hair.

    FACT: "Now you do. Ask your stylist and hair loss specialist for a recommendation for alcohol-free styling products and sulfate-free (no SLS) shampoos. Better yet, get out there and read the labels for yourself."

    Minggu, 26 Agustus 2012

    Hair Systems: Questions & Answers

    Frequently Asked Questions about Nonsurgical Hair Systems



    The world of hair systems can be full of conflicting and confusing information, so let's try to get some facts straight ...


    When it comes to actually wearing hair, or using a hair system, you may have some very good questions as to how it all works, starting with what the term "hair system" really means.

    Q. What's the difference between a hair system and a hair replacement?

    Both terms mean the same thing. Hair replacement includes any type of non-surgical solution for hair loss that uses additional hair. A hairpiece, wig, extension or hair system refers to the actual portion of hair made to take the place of any missing hair on your head.

    Q. How many hair systems do I need?

    You may have heard a lot of conflicting information about how many hair systems people need. Some may say that you need two to start out with so you can rotate them and wear a fresh one while another is being repaired and/or maintained. But it depends on your hair system and your hair loss situation. Nowadays hair systems are made using such lightweight materials (the heavier the hair and cap, the less natural a hair system will look) that they are sometimes disposable, requiring a new one every time, about every eight weeks or so. These lighter hair systems may cost a little less for each one, but you will need a new one each time for best results.

    Q. Why throw one away when it looks perfectly fine?

    You replace a hair system before it shows any wear. Otherwise outsiders might be able to see a hair system's hair loss or cap fraying -- and you wouldn't want that!

    Q. Does it always have to be the same style of hair system over and over?

    That's your choice. If you're adventurous and want to switch styles or colors, you can certainly work with the stylist to create different hair systems, or you can stick with one that represents "your look" time and time again.

    Q. Will my hair system change as I age over the years?

    You want your hair system to be as realistic and natural as possible, and if that includes shortening your style or showing some graying, your stylist will strive to make your hair system as age appropriate as you desire, matching it to your facial shape and skin tone. For men, lessening the amount of hair to match any overall thinning or pattern baldness around the system may also be appropriate as you age.

    Q. Are hair systems for men different from those for women?

    All hair systems contain a base material, hair and a means of attachment. Each is created and styled depending on a person's specific hair loss situation, lifestyle needs and budget considerations.

    Q. I have long, thinning hair. Do I have to cut it all off to wear a hair system?

    No, your stylist can work with your long hair, even combining it with your new hair system. When wearing a full hair replacement, or wig, you may find it cleaner, easier to care for and more comfortable to keep your remaining hair cut short. But if you're uneasy about it, your stylist can work with you and your hair to find which way makes you feel best.

    Q. Are there any considerations I should be aware of if I wear a hair system?

    Aside from your lifestyle loosening your hair system, keeping up with maintenance and following all directions, you need to keep track of any medications your are taking, since some can cause adverse reactions to certain adhesives. If you experience irritation or a reaction to your adhesive, alert your hair replacement professional, who can suggest an alternative means of attachment. Another consideration is not to neglect a scalp check for any changes to moles or other signs of skin cancer. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or in the sun, cover your head and hair system with a hat to protect against sunburn and overexposure to the sun, which can lead to skin cancer and also an eventual discoloring or fading of your hair system.

    Q. Can I have the kind of hair system that is removed at night, or does it have to be attached for a month or more at a time?

    It is totally your choice as to how you want your hair system to be attached and also how much care you want to take with attaching it yourself. Your hair replacement specialist will work with your lifestyle considerations to determine the best method of attachment and a schedule for removal.

    Q. What is the difference between a custom-made hair system and an "off-the-shelf" hair system?

    A custom-made hair system is made by molding and measuring your head or hair loss area and is created strand by strand to match your exact hair density and hairline; these are usually the most expensive types. A ready-made hair system can be bought off the shelf but will still be cut, colored and styled based on your skin tone and facial shape by working with your hair replacement specialist stylist.

    Sabtu, 25 Agustus 2012

    Choosing a Hair Systems Specialist

    What are you really buying when you buy hair systems?


    Without talented artistry and expert, friendly service, hair systems aren't much good to hair loss sufferers.


    Whether you're a man or a woman, you're buying more than a hair system for your head; you're buying a company, a service, a relationship and most of all, a great feeling when you leave every time!

    You will find many varying hair replacement service providers if you search even a local yellow pages phone book. If you take your search further online, you'll be inundated with options for hair systems. So how will you choose? In fact, according to experts, most people experiencing hair loss explore solutions but end up trying nothing ... probably because they don't know what to try.

    "That's why you want to definitely make appointments for a free consultation with several different hair replacement studios and specialists before you make your decision, just like any other large ticket service you might explore," explains Jean Sheldon, owner of Allusions Hair Restoration Studio in Cincinnati, OH. Go to each appointment and explain your hair loss situation. Make a list of questions you have and ask them all!  A good studio can evaluate your specific needs and recommend several solutions depending on your budget and lifestyle.  In the end, choose the hair replacement specialist that makes you feel the best, advises Sheldon, "because you will have a long-term relationship with this company and this person."

    We interviewed several hair replacement specialists to find out what a good hair replacement practitioner will ask you and what prospective clients should ask of them, so take note!

    A good hair replacement specialist should ask you:
    • What is your hair loss prognosis?  "No stylist should make any recommendations for you without knowing why your hair loss has occurred," cautions Lisa Lewis, a Certified Hair Replacement specialist, owner of Wiggit II in Clovis, CA.
    • What medications are you using?  "You never know which medications may be the cause of the hair loss!" says Lewis.
    • What are your specific lifestyle requirements and activity level?
    • What are your budgetary restrictions?
    • How is your hair loss affecting your life? "I like to find out a client's main concerns, this way we can suggest solutions that will help you overcome your feelings and loss of confidence!" says Lewis.
    •  
      You should ask the hair replacement specialist:
      • What training certifications do you have as a hair replacement specialist? "They should be a licensed cosmetologist with additional training because hair replacement requires a high degree of skill and knowledge ... it's very specialized," explains Jeanne Sheldon.
      • Can I come in for a quick fix in between appointments, if necessary? "A good specialist is flexible and will work with you no matter what happens," says Mimi Miller, Certified Hair Enhancement specialist at Evolve Salon in Las Vegas, N.V.
      • Can I see some current before and after client pictures?
      • Are you a member of your local Better Business Bureau?
      • How long have you been performing hair replacement?
      • How long has your company been in business?
      • What are your payment options?
      • Do you offer in-house financing or CareCredit?Monthly service payments?

        Michael Garcia, a marketing executive at Bright Bulb Solutions in Los Angeles, C.A., specializes in the hair loss industry and explains, "The highest quality hair replacement companies out there are selling the relationship. It all comes down to the skill and talent of the studio in making you look and feel good. An honorable and reputable company doesn't want to make a quick sale of hair systems; they want to establish a relationship that lasts many years."

        Another hallmark of a great service or studio is one who invites you to come back within a week of getting your new hair.  "We want you to come back within a week because we know you'll discover limitations to your new hair systems, have questions about styling and care, and we want you to have the best experience possible with something we have designed just for you," says Lewis. "Look for patience and the willingness to teach!"  Overall, a good service and stylist makes you feel good. They will look you in the eyes as they speak to you and touch and feel your hair. They will make you feel better about the entire situation. They will partner with you in your quest for confidence and these are some of the very important factors when you pick a hair replacement specialist.

        Varieties of Hair Extensions


        Hair Extensions Can Instantly Add Length and Fullness


         

        If you want long, gorgeous tresses, you can get beautiful hair easily with hair extensions.

         

        A favorite styling option for top celebrities and other women around the world, hair extensions allow you to add both length and thickness to your hair.  You don't need to wait for your hair to grow out. If you have never had hair extensions before, use this guide to learn a little more about the different types of hair extensions available.

        Type of hair used in hair extensions

        Hair extensions can be made from human hair, synthetic hair or a mix of both.

        Human hair. The hair extensions that look the most realistic are obviously those made of human hair. Human hair extensions come from a variety of sources and are of varying quality. European hair is thin and regarded as the most popular type used in human hair extensions. Asian hair can be used in hair extensions; however, it is often too thick, so it is sometimes lightened and thinned using an acid bath, which damages the hair, making it lower in quality. Indian hair is similar structurally to European hair and can be of a very high quality. Natural human hair is the best choice if you want a full head of extensions, because it can be treated like your own hair. It is more durable than synthetic hair.

        Synthetic hair. Created from man-made fiber, synthetic hair looks very similar to human hair. This type of hair is less expensive than human hair and can be found in an array of colors. Oftentimes salons use a mix of synthetic and human hair, but this is not advised, since each needs a different type of care. Although synthetic hair extensions can be cheaper than their natural counterparts, maintenance may be more expensive. Synthetic hair tends to matt and can be burned with styling tools. If you are adding a full head of extensions, stick with human hair. For pieces, synthetic hair is a good choice.

        Types of hair extensions

        Hair extensions can be permanent (reusable for a long period of time), semipermanent (worn constantly for two to three months) or temporary (such as clip-ins).

        While you can apply semipermanent and permanent hair extensions at home, it's best to go to a professional because attachment is not easy. Ask around for referrals to find a reputable salon in your area for hair extensions.

        Hair extension attachment methods

        There are a variety of different ways to attach hair extensions. The following are some of the most popular methods:

        Weaves - Weaves are tiny sections of your own hair that are braided very close to the scalp. Then human or synthetic hair is sewn into the braided base. This type of hair extension is not recommended for thin hair, because the attachment will be detectable through the hair. Weaves can also be very heavy on your scalp, causing an uncomfortable tightening. Weave extensions generally last two to three months and then need replacing.

        Bonding - With bonding, hair extensions are attached to a latex plug that is glued to your own hair. This method is much faster than weaving, making it also less expensive. The biggest problem with bonding is the removal. Oil and heat are used to dissolve the glue, which can be very messy, and the removal takes a long time. If not removed properly, the latex plug can pull out your own hair along with it.

        Metal tubing - With this method, a very small metal tube is clamped onto the real hair to attach the hair extension. This type of extension can be hard to remove and can sometimes break off the real hair. Metal tubing attachment is most suitable for thick hair.

        Fusion - Many consider fusion the best attachment method for hair extensions. A professional-grade glue must be used to withstand heated styling tools and chemical treatments. With fusion, 25-50 strands of human hair extensions at a time are glued to your natural hair using a plastic template that protects the scalp. This process is long and tedious, but the results are beautiful. Before attaching fusion extensions, wash your hair but do not condition it. When it's time to remove the extensions, a product is applied that turns the glue to a powder, which is easily washed out.

        Before investing hundreds or thousands of dollars into hair extensions, be sure to speak to several professionals. Ask plenty of questions and get quotes on the entire process. Make certain you get some kind of guarantee, as well. If your extensions fall out or are painful, they will need to be redone. If they are not installed correctly, they can cause hair loss. New ways of applying hair extensions are coming out all the time. As more and more methods come to light, hair extensions will become more durable and realistic looking.

        Jumat, 24 Agustus 2012

        Hair Extensions: A Hair Loss Treatment


        Hair Extensions are Used for More than Just Style and Fashion


         

        Hair extensions can add volume to thinning hair besides adding length.

         

        Hair extensions aren't just for adding length to hair. They are also a common method for adding volume and thickness to thinning hair. Hair extensions can be applied in a number of different ways. If you have thinning hair, be sure to talk with the stylist to find the best technique and type for improving the look of your hair without leading to further hair loss. We talked to a variety of experts around the country to get their input on hair extensions as hair loss treatments.

        Types of hair extensions

        "The safest and only type that I would personally recommend for fine or thin hair is a method called cold fusion (not to be confused with hot fusion) or microlinks," says Giulia Heiman, professional hairstylist and cofounder of StyloNY.com. "This method is ideal for those with very thin or fine hair, because the bonds are about as small as a grain of rice. Since they are bonded to individual clumps of hair, they won't stress and weigh down your hair like sewn-in track extensions. The only downside to this method is the higher price. The fusion method, though, is all around better than tracks because there is less glue, you can wash your hair you as normally do, and it is comfortable to wear."

        Choosing a stylist for hair extensions

        "You definitely want to find someone who specializes in your type of hair," explains Heiman. "Since the options are overwhelming sometimes, here is a little trick. Call a salon and ask for its most experienced stylist working with hair extensions and your hair type. Call back again the next day and see if you are given the same name. That way you will know if the person really is a specialist or just the only one who was available at that time. Make sure to set up a consultation before you schedule your service; and book a few consultations with different salons and stylists. If you meet with two or three, you will be able to get an idea of who is experienced and who's not. Be certain that the salon is using real human hair, not synthetic, and ask the stylist how long she or he has been performing this service. Last but not least, you will very likely need a haircut after the extensions are put in, to blend the new hair. Make sure to ask your stylist if this is included in the price or if you will need to schedule that also."

        100 percent real human hair

        "If individuals are looking for a solution to thinning hair, a non-surgical avenue is to seek out a salon that specializes in extensions and hair grafts, which are used to enhance naturally thin or thinning hair," advises Missi Koebler, salon owner and master stylist of Secrets of Hair Design & Day Spa, located in Butler, Pa.

        "At Secrets of Hair Design & Day Spa, we offer hair grafts, which are wefts of hair made from 100 percent real hair, designed specifically for men and women who suffer from top-of-the-head hair loss and want a natural-looking, full head of hair. This is a very sensitive issue for many men and women, so it's crucial that we provide our clients with the easiest hair replenishment service available, and that is why we offer hair grafts that are easily applied without glue, heat, sewing or braiding. Hair grafts are not wigs or an integration of the hair but a light hair replenishment that is applied directly to the hair, as with extensions. The significant difference, however, is that hair wefts are made for thinning hair and are therefore much gentler than the average hair extensions. Hair grafts also come in a variety of colors and most often two lengths that can be customized for clients."

        What to ask about hair extensions

        Stylist Cesare Safieh of Hair by Cesare, Inc. in Pasadena, Calif., recommends asking the following questions when choosing salons or stylists:
        1. What type of bond do they use?
        2. How do you have to care for the hair extensions?
        3. How much training have they had in hair extensions?
        4. Can they provide prior client referrals for the same situations?
        5. Can they match the color to your hair?
        6. Will you have to change your lifestyle?
        7. Are they certified in hair extensions and hair loss specialty?

        Hair Loss: Protect Your Scalp

        Hair Loss Or Not, Protecting Your Scalp Is Very Important




        Your scalp is even more susceptible to burning than skin is because it directly faces the sun's rays at all times.


        By virtue of the fact that it covers the scalp, hair provides protection from the sun's harmful rays. "But if you notice your hair thinning or you have hair loss of any kind for any reason, it's important to protect your scalp from sun damage, precancer and skin cancer," says Dr. Eric Schweiger, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon at Bernstein Medical -- Center for Hair Restoration in New York City. That's because 100 percent of the surface area on top of your head directly faces the sun's burning rays when the sun is strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

        "In general, a mild sunburn on your scalp won't harm your hair follicles. But any exposure that causes blistering can cause scarring and precancer cells, which will harm hair follicles permanently, so you need to take special care of your scalp when exposed to the sun, even for only a few minutes," explains Schweiger.

        What you must know about hair loss and scalp protection
        1. Protect your scalp. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognize six skin categories, from fair skin easily burned in a few minutes of overhead sun exposure to more olive and black skins.
          Whatever type of skin you have generally is the same for your scalp. If you have hair loss and hair thinning, be sure to protect your scalp, specifically with sunscreen, when outside. The AAD recommends that regardless of skin type you use a broad-spectrum (protection from UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 year-round.
        2. You can burn in the shade. Even on a cloudy day, your scalp is at risk; up to 80 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds. In addition, if you're active outdoors and spend time at the beach or on the slopes, keep in mind that sand reflects 25 percent of the sun's rays and snow reflects 80 percent of the sun's rays, according to the Global Solar UV Index, literature about sun safety from the World Health Organization.
        3. Healing hair transplant? If you've had hair transplant surgery, avoid the sun for at least a month after the procedure, and to do that, your best protection is wearing a hat, says Dr. Schweiger. Avoid sunscreen during this period, too, as the chemicals in sunscreens may irritate healing scalp and follicles; just after your hair transplant, your immune system may be a little overactive and you can have an allergic response to chemicals.
        4. Spray-on sunscreens are great for the scalp. Sunscreens come in many forms, such as ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays and sticks, but the spray-on type can coat the scalp between hairs and reach down to the base of the hair shaft and fill crevices better than a greasy lotion can, advises Schweiger. A gel might also work for you because gel absorbs faster than other forms without leaving residue on hair and scalp, but you will need to be diligent about its application. A study published in the Archives of Dermatology in 2002 found that most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen, so to be sure of complete coverage, use a spray-on variety. The AAD recommends that sunscreens be applied to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
        5. Stay away from tanning beds, too. In spite of claims that tanning beds offer "safe" tanning, the artificial light sources used at tanning salons such as those for beds, lamps, bulbs and booths do emit UVA and UVB radiation. Because the amount of the radiation produced during indoor tanning is similar to the sun and in some cases may be even stronger, the AAD recommends against indoor tanning.

        Natural Hair Loss Remedies

        Natural Remedies Can Be Effective Hair Loss Treatments 

         

        Many ideas and theories exist about natural hair loss remedies that may or may not help, but experts agree they can't hurt!

         

        Currently, there are only three FDA-approved, widely recognized hair loss treatments that have been proven to halt hair loss and regrow hair to some degree, and they are Rogaine, Propecia and laser hair therapy, explains hair transplant surgeon Dr. Bernie Nusbaum, founder of the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami and former clinical instructor in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine. "But there is a lot of buzz about herbal and natural remedies such as saw palmetto and antioxidants as we look toward nature to provide some answers to simple male- and female-pattern balding," says Nusbaum.

        More studies needed on natural hair loss remedies
         
        Nusbaum continues, "I am aware of one small study on the effects of saw palmetto on hair loss and many ideas about antioxidants and platelet-rich plasma, and I am open-minded and interested in investigating them and feel there is a great need for testing the efficacy of these treatments, especially for women, whose options are limited now." The surgeon agrees that while these treatments will not hurt, they might not help until we figure out what action they have on the hair loss and exactly how they need to be administered, whether topically or internally, or both. As of yet we don't have any real proof or large clinical studies showing that natural or botanical products are helpful in treating hair loss -- but that doesn't mean it isn't so. There are a few studies showing that some of these compounds are anti-inflammatory, which is one of the main aspects of pattern baldness. "But more research needs to be done. We really need to look further and harder to try to find substances to treat female-pattern hair loss," stresses Nusbaum, who admits that FDA requirements for extensive clinical trials can be stringent and costly and are part of the problem in the advancement of hair loss treatments.

        Why saw palmetto?
         
        A link between the hormone by-product DHT, produced in the body naturally as we age, and hair loss has been established, and the internal use of the herb saw palmetto has been linked to relieving symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, also caused by increases in DHT. We have proof that pattern balding has been responsive to drugs such as Propecia used to treat BPH, so that's why the hair loss community has embraced saw palmetto, even for women, because it doesn't affect actual hormone levels, just the secretion and accumulation of DHT, which attacks follicles in both men and women.

        In one small placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine in April 2002, which involved only ten men, six out of the ten men rated their hair loss condition as improved, after using the study formulation containing saw palmetto. The results showed that more testing should be done. "Currently, there is another in-vitro study also showing that saw palmetto had some anti-inflammatory effects, and it has been shown to block DHT in a test tube but not yet in humans," says Dr. Nusbaum. "Through all of this testing we are learning about aspects of hair loss pertaining to inflammation and oxidative stress, and we're learning more and more about the genes that turn on and turn off hair growth," he notes.

        Laser hair therapy
         
        The laser is not a drug or an herb but instead a low-level light source that has also been proven to halt hair loss and regrow hair with no known side-effects, so it qualifies as a natural treatment for hair loss. Nusbaum explains how it works: "The laser can stop hair loss if used on an ongoing basis and does improve hair counts. When hairs are in the resting phases of the growth cycle (about 10 percent of your hair at any given time) and follicles are still alive, exposure to low-level laser light stimulates these 10 percent of hairs to grow, and that can make a noticeable difference. But there is still a lot we don't know. We do not know the optimum strength of the laser or frequency to use yet. Since laser hair therapy is still in its infancy, there are no longitudinal studies on it.

        The multi-therapeutic approach to solving hair loss
         
        Most hair experts, including Nusbaum, agree on a multi-therapeutic approach to treating and halting your hair loss. All the hair loss treatments currently available (hair transplant surgery, Propecia, Rogaine, laser hair therapy, herbal topical and internal supplements, acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage with essential oils) can be used in conjunction with each other with no known contraindications except that Propecia cannot be used on women.

        Once you've read about the different types of treatments available (a great starting point is HairLoss.com's free e-book The Complete HairLoss.com Guide to Solving Hair Loss), it's best to discuss them with your doctor and a hair loss treatment professional, who can tailor a plan that will work best for your type of hair loss.

        Kamis, 23 Agustus 2012

        The Science and Art of Hair Systems

        Hair Systems: Blending Technology and Art To Look Natural



        There's much more than meets the eye when it comes to the creation of the highest quality, most natural-looking hair systems.


        Not all hair systems are created equal, which, if you've visited a few different wig shops and hair replacement studios, you have figured out by now. So what makes the difference? "There's no one right way of creating a hair system," says Jeanne Sheldon, owner of Allusions Hair Restoration Studio in Cincinnati. "And reputable hair replacement studios will try to match your needs with what they think will be the best solution for you given your budget, lifestyle and hair loss condition. But the key to success is to establish a trusting relationship with whoever you work with." Lew Hutchinson, owner, Invisions of Connecticut, explains further, "We custom-design a program that works for each client because our goal is to achieve your happiness. That said, the technology for hair systems is advancing so quickly that the very best new solutions depend on the artistry and skill of the designer and stylist to create a look and feel of one's own hair growing."

        How hair systems are created


        The mold and measurements: This is the most important part of the process, agree hair replacement experts, because if anything is amiss at this stage, the hair system won't sit properly. Custom hair system designers will usually take a physical mold of your head shape and size in addition to specific measurements from ear to ear, nape to crown, and actual tracings and photos of your exact hairline so the designer can match your desired look. Where the designer decides to tie each hair in place makes a difference to the final appearance, and it's this artistry that you are relying on. Sometimes old photos are used to match your hairline to the way it used to be.

        The hair type, texture and density: The industry gold standard in hair type for a custom-made hair system for a Caucasian woman is 100 percent human European hair. Cynthia Turner--Primus, senior design consultant at HRS of Atlanta, a hair replacement company in Georgia that's been in business for more than 32 years, explains, "For Asians, we're able to match their hair texture exactly by using 100 percent human Asian hair and for Caucasian women we also use human Indian hair for its natural wave variation, shine and volume, while not being overly dense. And up until recently, ethnic hair was way too wavy, dense and overly shiny, but now we are able to find just the right process for that type of hair, too." Hair density also differs among clients and ethnicities, explains Turner-Primus. "While we can match the hair texture by using different types of hair to begin with, we are also careful to match the necessary density the person is used to wearing, which is important. The main thing is that it shouldn't look like a wig, which is often too thick and dense."

        Conversely, in the case of hair systems custom-created for men, Edward Katz of Edward Katz International Hair Design, Los Angeles, who, along with a staff of 40, custom-creates hair systems on-site, explains that synthetic hair is the optimum choice for men because the color never oxidizes and the hairstyle retains its exact shape through swimming and other activities, combing and washing and can be duplicated exactly every time you need a replacement system.

        The cap type and tone: Caps made from the finest French lace allow for the best hand-tying and customization of hairpieces at the hairline, along with the most comfortable, lightweight, breathable, natural look. There are also monofilament machine-made caps that are see-through to the scalp so that no matter which way the hair is parted, the scalp looks natural. While most Caucasian and Asian women use the same basic neutral cap tones, African-American women's scalps come in many different skin tones and hues that must be customized and personalized in the cap for a natural-looking scalp.

        Hand-tied versus machine-made: "The hand-tied hair is more versatile because the knots have the ability to move in any direction, explains Terri Johnston, owner of The Inspiration Salon in Rockford Ill., who specializes in medically necessary hair systems. "This way, you can brush hair forward or back and hair blows naturally in the wind and when you walk, as opposed to the machine-made wigs, in which the hair moves in only one direction." Turner-Primus agrees -- "You'll still want to be able to style your hair without any inconvenience. You'll want to let it down or have an elegant updo from the nape. But above all, you don't want anyone to know you are losing your hair!"

        The hairline: Where the skill and artistry are most evident is at the frontal hairline. "It's the first thing people notice when you walk in the door," explains Turner--Primus. "We can hand-customize and re-create any hairline, whether a full cap or blended with existing hair, and we try as hard as possible to mimic exactly how your hair used to be," she says. A lot of the customization to the person's formal style or ethnicity will happen at the final cutting, designing and styling of the piece while the client is wearing it." Experts agree that choosing a skilled and experienced hair replacement specialist is the key to a natural-looking result.

        Creating a truly customized, high-quality hair system for someone is a bit of a learning curve on the part of the stylist/designer and the client, adds Turner-Primus. "I really listen to my clients about what they need their hair to do, and they participate in the choices in the creation of their hair system. I take my time to show them how to get the best results. This way we both have a vision of what they're going to look like -- then I make it come true!"

        Traction Alopecia: Alternative Hair Styling

        Prevent Traction Alopecia: It's All About the Style



        DID YOU KNOW? You can reverse traction alopecia just by wearing your hair differently? It's that simple.


        Since you now know that your hairstyle might be causing your hair loss, it's time to make a style change ... but to what?  "That's the most common fear women have who are suffering from traction alopecia," says Diahna Husbands, hair replacement specialist and owner of Diahna Lynn Hair Studio in Maryland. "I had a client who wore this intricately braided style for years and years -- it was her "signature style" but when she came to see me to ask why her hair line was receding around her face, I had to tell her it was her "signature style" that was causing hair loss! She was devastated!"

        How does traction alopecia occur?


        The hair loss and thinning from traction alopecia is a result of wearing your hairstyle too tight. While most commonly seen in African-American women who wear a full head of cornrows, the traction alopecia results from any hairstyle (like a simple daily ponytail) being worn so tight that it actually pulls out the hairs from the root and causes trauma to the follicles. This trauma throws the follicles into a resting state prematurely, so hair does not re-grow as long as the area is being pulled too tightly.  You may see little red bumps in between braids or around your hairline, broken hairs, and a general thinning around your front hairline area or at the spot where you gather your ponytail. "Because your hair problems are caused by your hair style, you simply need to let your hair down...literally!" exclaims Husbands who says that is the quickest way to re-growth. Pop star Alicia Keys, who began her career with a full head of braids, is actually a great example of the many other styles you can wear instead of braids.

        Do I have to cut my hair off?


        "It depends on how much breakage or thinning has occurred. Sometimes if hair is too long the excessive weight itself puts stress on the follicles so hair should definitely be trimmed up shorter and lighter, which can be done gradually. But if your hair has noticeable bald patches, breakage toward the upper half of the hair shafts, and severe thinning around the hairline, cutting short, chic and close to the head is the best way to maximize the style of curly hair, naturally, while letting hair follicles rest.  "Many of my clients will opt for a wig during this time -- if they really don't want to deal with it or feel self-conscious in short hair." If choosing a wig, Husbands steers her clients toward non-synthetic cap styles made from lace or hand-tied to let in oxygen and avoid the build-up of sebum and perspiration that can lead to further infections.

        Styling tricks of the trade


        While your hair is recovering from traction alopecia, which can take around six months or more, there are many styling tricks your hair stylist can use. If there is enough existing hair, Husbands will style the front toward the face to cover the hair loss in a fringe along the forehead and angled in face-framing layers. "I really encourage my clients NOT to straight-iron during this time, but if their damage was not caused by heat or processing they can iron it toward the face for a new soft, chic style, but definitely apply a heat protecting serum before you flat-iron!" cautions Husbands.

        Some other alternatives to tight braiding and tight ponytails are soft twists on either side, attached in back with either soft elastic bands or a clip across the back of the head. The resulting style will be soft and full at the front and top to give your hair line a rest. Investigate new soft accessories like the fabric headband, scarves, and sparkling clips. "The most important thing to remember," says Husbands, "is nothing tight!"

        When it comes to going natural, use special "curly hair" conditioning styling products to bring out manageable curl and shine. Try switching your part to the other side or to the center and vice versa. You can sleek back a low gentle ponytail around the nape and gently tease the ends to show off the natural volume and texture of your hair. Again, investigate accessories that add a new "signature style."

        Traction alopecia: The bottom line


        If you notice hair thinning around your hairline and you regularly wear tight hair styles, your hair is giving you a message loud and clear:  Let your hair rest (the sooner the better) and it will regrow!

        Rabu, 22 Agustus 2012

        Hair Loss Treatment Website Releases "Sensitive" Video About Cancer-Related Hair Loss

        HairLoss.com, the world's most comprehensive and influential website providing unbiased consumer information about hair loss conditions and hair loss treatments, has released a second animated video in their "True Beauty" series. The latest video release concerns Cancer-related hair loss, an often-direct result of undergoing Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. "True Beauty" offers a message of hope to women enduring oncology-related hair loss, gently urging them to remember the true meaning of "beauty".

        FT. LAUDERDALE, FL, May 13, 2011 -- HairLoss.com, the most comprehensive online resource for unbiased consumer information and education concerning hair loss treatments and hair loss conditions like Cancer hair loss, has released the second of a series of one-minute-long animated public service announcements titled "True Beauty: Cancer-related Hair Loss".

        According to Michael Garcia, Spokesman for HairLoss.com, the latest video release "gently reminds those women suffering from Cancer-related hair loss that there is more to beauty than what we see; that the courage and fortitude with which these women face their treatments and ensuing hair loss is also beautiful and inspiring. Ours is a culture that values bravery."

        Produced by Bright Bulb Solutions, a boutique Los Angeles-based marketing firm, the animated presentation features original illustration, animation and music. The narration, recited by voice actor Wesley Horton, is meant to appeal directly to the individual preparing for Cancer treatment, says Garcia:

        "True beauty is found even in the pain of Cancer recovery where the hair loss that occurs during treatment can be as devastating as the cancer itself. And while your hair loss is temporary the elements of your beauty are enduring. True beauty is the love and caring of family and friends. True beauty is facing your struggle with fortitude. True beauty is the simple dawning of a new day. True beauty is the courage to feel beautiful anyway. Knowing that true beauty is found in your heart and not on your head helps you to feel better which helps you to heal better."

        The video storyline chronicles the growing awareness of a female Cancer patient in recovery, as she ponders the love and caring of her family and treatment-givers, as well as the simple miracle of a new day.

        Hair loss due to Cancer treatments is, unfortunately, common. Chemotherapy drugs shock rapidly dividing cells such as those in hair follicles in the scalp, thereby causing the hair to completely fall out. This type of hair loss is usually temporary.

        According to Garcia, HairLoss.com has partnered with Bright Bulb Solutions to produce and entire series of public service-style videos "with intelligent, compassionate and progressive themes of understanding" to those men and women struggling with both the physical and emotional effects of hair loss conditions ranging from Alopecia areata and male pattern baldness to Cancer hair loss and Trichotillomania.

        The True Beauty video series is available for free viewing and download on HairLoss.com as well as readily available for no-cost syndication on YouTube and other major online video sharing networks, notes Garcia. "Any Cancer-treatment provider or hair loss provider specializing in treating Cancer-related hair loss who wishes to assist in our efforts to raise public awareness of the sensitive issues surrounding hair loss are being granted free license to embed the videos on their own websites and blogs.

        Selasa, 21 Agustus 2012

        Hair Loss Treatment Website Investigates Hair Loss and Gay Culture

        Ft. Lauderdale, FL. March 20, 2011 -- HairLoss.com, the most comprehensive website in the world providing unbiased consumer information on hair loss conditions and their treatment, has published an in-depth feature report on hair loss in the gay community. Titled "We're gay! We're bald! Get used to it!", the eight-part article is the latest in a series of investigative reports published by the influential website in order to, according to its spokesman, "allow our readers a deeper glimpse into the experience of what it means to be gay and to suffer from hair loss in America today."

        Written and researched by HairLoss.com health writer Russ Klettke, the multi-part series focuses on how gay men deal with the typical challenges of losing one's hair; how does hair loss affect self-confidence and self-esteem? When is time to act and which hair loss treatment is the right one? Is there a way to make hair loss look chic and fashionable? For whom is the "shaved head look" the best solution, and is it a look that is here to stay?

        "The broadly diverse 'gay community' represents a significant block of those men in large cities and small towns who spend a good chunk of change on expensive hair loss treatments," explains Michael Garcia, Spokesman for HairLoss.com. "Gay men are a large enough segment of the buying population, with more disposable income than their straight counterparts that the industry is more than aware of them. The industry specifically markets to them and has become dependent on them. So investigating this relationship seemed important."

        Also explored in depth are concerns specific to the gay culture and it's collective attitude on aging, head shaving and masculinity. "What we find is that hair and hair loss goes right to the heart of the individual gay man," explains writer Klettke. "Is being bald more or less difficult for young gay men than straight men? With the values and norms of the gay culture and the emphasis on youth, masculinity and physical beauty, the answer is mixed. How each individual copes with hair loss comes down to a combination of psychology, physical characteristics, age and social context."

        Klettke, who spent four months investigating how hair loss is perceived, understood and lived in the gay community, is a four-time competitor in the Gay Games and a past member of the Board of Governors with the Human Rights Campaign.

        "At HairLoss.com, we're always striving to produce original and interesting stories about hair loss, aside from our typical efforts to educate the hair loss public about hair loss conditions and treatments," said Garcia. "Russ's investigation is replete with considerable sensitivity, wit and insight. He is adept and speaking the language of the culture. I believe the gay community will feel both enlightened, informed and amused."

        View the report at: http://www.hairloss.com/home/hair-loss-gay-community-report.html

        Hair Loss Treatment Website Names Actor Jason Alexander 2011 "Person of the Year"


        HairLoss.com, the world's most comprehensive website providing unbiased consumer information about hair loss and its treatment, has named former Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander, who recently began wearing nonsurgical hair systems, as "person of the Year". Alexander, who has played many iconic bald characters in television and motion pictures, including Seinfeld's George Costanza, has "done more to further the cause of nonsurgical hair replacement than all the industry's marketing could ever have", according to HairLoss.com.

        Ft. Lauderdale, FL., January 18, 2012 -- Jason Alexander, the iconic 52-year-old balding actor of Seinfeld fame has been named HairLoss.com's 2011 "Person of the Year". Alexander, one of Hollywood's most high profile bald actors, showed up to a September awards show in Beverly Hills donning a full head of hair. Months before he had told his fans on Twitter that he was looking into various hair loss treatments, including hair systems, and warned, "Don't be shocked if you suddenly see picts of me with more hair than usual."

        Since that time, Alexander has revealed on Twitter that his new look is "a really good, semi-permanent hairpiece."

        Such high-end, highly customized hairpieces are today marketed in the hair loss treatment industry as nonsurgical hair systems. "These are not the same hairpieces worn by our grandparents," said Michael Garcia, Spokesman for HairLoss.com. "These hair systems, when designed and maintained by a talented practitioner, are completely undetectable to sight and touch and, because they are a nonsurgical hair replacement technique, they can instantly restore a person's natural, youthful appearance."

        Alexander had been mum on which practitioner created his new look, but since then has revealed that Hollywood hair replacement artist Richard Farrell of Farrell Hair Replacement did the work. Farrell, who has long claimed to provide hair to some of Hollywood's biggest stars, convinced Alexander to discuss in depth his hair loss and his recent transformation in a video sent out to Farrell's prospects.

        "Jason Alexander has done some very good work to further the cause of this safe and natural cosmetic hair loss treatment that, when done right, can not only change one's look, but can change one's outlook on life," says Spokesman Garcia. "Alexander is showing men everywhere that it's cool to wear hair and he's openly challenging the belief that wearing hair should be a hush-hush affair. Jason looks great and he feels great and what he's done by shunning the hairpiece closet is inspirational."

        The famous character actor has openly discussed his hair systems with his 75,000 twitter followers, imploring them: "Here's the deal. Here's why I did it. It's no big deal. Don't be afraid to look at it. Don't be afraid to talk about it."

        According to Garcia, the state of the art of nonsurgical hair replacement has improved such that there are many practitioners all over the country who practice the craft expertly and creatively.

        "When you look at Jason, you understand why he talks openly about his hair replacement procedure; there's nothing to criticize. His own hair blends perfectly with his hair system. The hairline and recession pattern is age-appropriate and he's stressed the most important element about achieving this type of look," adds Garcia. "That is, when people see that you look different than you did and they scan for what has changed and they see the illusion of hair growing out of your hair, the immediately move on to the next possibilities, which is 'did you lose weight' or 'did you have work done'. Nobody cares about whether you are wearing hair if it looks great. They quickly forget and you become the guy with cool hair."

        HairLoss.com is proud to name Jason Alexander as 2011 "Person of the Year". HairLoss.com's free Concierge service is available to both men and women throughout the United States who desire to find reputable and experienced hair loss treatment providers who can achieve for them what was achieved for Jason Alexander.